Leo Chambers is determined to put his name back on the map during his Colchester United loan spell after recovering from an injury nightmare.

The 20-year-old defender, who has joined the U’s on a month’s loan from West Ham United, has bounced back after a traumatic two-year period on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Chambers is hoping to keep his place in Colchester’s starting line-up for tonight’s trip to Bradford City after impressing on his debut in their 0-0 draw with Shrewsbury Town, last weekend.

The England under-19 international is enjoying his first loan spell away from West Ham and says being at the U’s is a rewarding experience.

Chambers told the Daily Gazette: “I’ve been out for two years with a hamstring injury and I just want to get my name back on the map and enjoy football.

“The injury started off when I was 17 – I was travelling with the first team squad but when you’re travelling, you’re not necessarily playing.

“When I did get the chance to play after three months my body wasn’t fully conditioned and hands up, I was probably young and naïve and not keeping myself ticking over.

“It was a horrible period to be out for two years but now I’ve got that experience, I’m back and just want to play football.

“It’s a great bunch of players and I know that I have to fight for my shirt.

“Playing is what I’m here to do but if I’m not playing, then that’s another experience for me to take on the chin, work hard on the training pitch and try and get my place back in the squad.

“It’s all a brilliant experience for myself.”

For more on this story and a three-page preview of Colchester's game with Bradford City, including an in-depth interview with former U's skipper Tony English, see Tuesday's Daily Gazette.